Capitole Gent

Le Capitole opened on the Graaf van Vlaanderenplein in 1932 as a cinema, one of the largest in Belgium — Geo Henderick fitted it with a full stage, a fly tower and an orchestra pit, so that Josephine Baker, Jan Kiepura and later Dalida could appear between films. The projectors stopped in 1986 and the hall stood empty for fourteen years; its facades were listed in 1988. It reopened in October 2001 with 1,600 seats, and since January 2014 has been run by the Sportpaleis Group. Touring opera and ballet share the year with musicals, comedy and pop.